WR Fabian Martin pulls the trigger

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Chicago Prosser senior wide receiver Fabian Martin has ended weeks of spectulation and has indeed verballed to head coach Ron Turner and the Fighting Illini this evening. So how did Fabian Martin celebrate? A big party you say? According to Fabian Martin "Actually I'm at home babysitting my little sister."

Martin talked about the factors in decided to give Illinois his verbal commitment tonight. "I've been thinking alot about my choices over the last week or so, and alot of things pointed to Illinois. Last night I watched the 49ers and Brandon Lloyd was playing, and the TV guys were commenting on how Lloyd was taught the pro style of offense from Ron Turner at Illinois and that he was really prepared for the pro level right out of college, and that stuck in my mind. Then today after practice my quarterback Jerimiah asked me flat out where I was gonna go to college, and I told him Illinois. After I got home I called Coach Turner and told him I was ready to become a member of the Fighting Illini."

So what were some of the more important factors in making his decision? "Loyalty, no question about it. Illinois was the first school who really showed me alot of interest and they also were the first school to offer me as well" added Martin. "I also did alot of homework as well, from checking the internet and looking at alot of schools rosters and depth charts to also looking into the academic side. I got a headache at times because your trying to make a really hard decision that will impact your life for the next several years. The whole process was stressful and at times kind of wore me out, but I feel great now and it's a wrap for Illinois. I'm a solid commit for the Illini."

So how does the family feel about your decision? "My Dad actually wanted me to go to Michigan, but he really stepped back and let me make my decision. He gave me some great advise. He told me that the colleges are evaluating me, so then I should also evaluate them just as much. My Mom was saying from the beginning that I would end up choosing Illinois, and I guess Mom is always right after all. The whole family is really excited and they'll be able to come down to Champaign and watch me play in college which is another great reason to stay closer to home."

Was an early decision always a part of the plan for Fabian Martin? "Not really, I never said that I wanted to have a decision done by any set date. I just took my time and decided and I knew that when it felt right, it would know. Now I know. It's Illinois."